Spraying device



July 17, 1951 c. s. MEYERHYOEFER SPRAYING DEV I CE Filed June 26, 1947JNVENToR. far! /Ifyffaf/e'r ,BMM au] SPRAYING DEVICE Carl S.Meyerhoefer, Brooklyn, N. Y., assignor to Lewyt Corporation, Brooklyn,N. Y., a corporation of New York Application June 26, 1947, Serial No.757,245

Claims.

This invention relates to a functionally and structurally improvedliquid-spraying device and `aims more particularly, to provide a unitfor use in connection with vacuum cleaners or similar apparatus.

As is well appreciated, numerous sprayingdevices have been developed forconnection to the outlet end of. for example, a vacuum cleaner. Thesedevices have in many instances been unsatisfactory in that they werefrequently expensive and/or oered objections in their functioning.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved unit which willbe primarily designed for use by attachment to the outlet end of avacuum cleaner or similar apparatus developing relatively low pressures.This unit will embody structures such that it will be positive inoperation. Accordingly, satisfactory results may be obtained without theoperator possessing any 4special skill or training in the use of thisdevice.

A further object is that of providing a device in which the flow of airand accordingly the body of the spray may be regulated with nicety,whether relatively viscous or light liquids are being used in thedevice.

A. still further object is that of designing a spraying device inwhich-even if the parts should have suilicient tolerances tocause smallair leakages-such leakages will not result in the apparatus continuingto function after the operator desires that it cease to eject a spray.

An additional object is that of furnishing a unit ofthis type which willembody relatively few parts. each individually simple and rugged inconstruction, such parts being capable of manufacture largely byquantity production methods and'being susceptible to assembly byunskilled labor to furnish an apparatus functioning over long periods oftime with freedom from all diiliculties. With these and other objects inmind, reference is had to the attached sheet of drawings illustratingone practical embodiment of the invention and in which:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of the device;

Fig. 2 is a sectional side view taken along the lines 2-2 and in thedirection of the arrows as indicated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a front view of the attachment; and

Fig. 4 is a. transverse sectional view taken along the lines 4-4 and inthe direction of the arrows as indicated in Fig. 1.

In these views the numeral -indicates a jar.

or container which'may be formed of glass or any other suitablematerial. Disposed upon this container is a cap or operating head. Toconnect the two units to each other, the cap may be formed with adownwardly extending threaded flange 6; a gasket 1 being provided toassure of a substantially air-tight seal between the parts. Obviously,any other form of coupling might be employed to assure this connectionand the body of the container 5 could embrace any desired configurationsuitable to receive varnishes, lacquers, paints, germicides,insecticides or other liquids.

The cap or head structure conveniently includes an upper portion 8 whichmay be integral with the flange 6 and which is conveniently domed.Centrally of this portion a tube 9 may extend transversely across theassembly. The inner end of this tube may be tapered as at I Il orotherwise suitably formed, to be coupled to an 'outlet-or hose (notshown) by means of which it-Cuh be connected to a source of pressuresuch as'the outlet end of a more or less conventional vacuum cleaningapparatus. The tube 9 adiacent its outer end conveniently terminates inan inwardly extending lip portion II defining an opening I2.

Extending across the opening may be supporting arms I3 which mount a hubI4. The latter has a central opening which may be counterbored in itsouter end. A flanged nozzle element I5 may have its flange restingagainst the outer face of the hub I4 and mount at its inner end, the endof a tube I. It is obvious that incident to the counterboring of the hubI4, the nozzle I5 carrying the end of the tube I 6 may have a force-fitwith the hub. Therefore, an accidental separation of these parts willnot occur. However, it is obvious that other forms of connection mightbe employed.

The lower surface of the tube 9 is formed with an opening of an areasuch that the tube I6 may pass through the same. Adjacent such opening.a circular flange I I may be provided. A packing plug I8 may beinterposed between the flange and tube so as to prevent the passage ofair between the tube 9 and the interior of the container 5. The lengthof the tube I6 should be such that-as illustrated-it may normally restadjacent the base of container 5. Also, it may be curved forwardlywithin that container.

A control valve is provided by utilizing, for example, a tapered body I9 which seats within a corresponding contoured opening in the lowersurface of the .tube 9. vSuch seating is assured by employing a spring20 which .bears against the lower surface of the tube 9 and has itsopposite end bearing, for example, in a groove 2I formed in a knurledknob 22. The head of the latter projects through an opening formed inthe upper surface of tube 9. The knob 22 is bored and formed withinternal threads as at 23. The valve body I9 is continued in the form ofa stem which is'A correspondingly threaded as at 24. Therefore, it isapparent that these parts may be coupled and a depression of knob 22will result in a projection of the stem 24 and body I9. This will havethe effect of unseating that valve body and allowing a flow of air fromthe tube 9 into the interior of the receptacle 5.

It will also be apparent that if a greater or lesser amount of airpressure is desired, the operator may achieve this without sacrificingthe ease of operation permissible by fully projecting the knob 22. Thislresult is obtained incident to the adjustment provided by rotating theknob 22 with respect to the threads of the stem 24,. By such rotation,the overall distance between the valve body I9 and knob 22 will beincreased or decreased. To prevent a turning of the valve I9 and stem24, the lower end of the former may terminate in a non-circular headportion 25. Extendingfrom the underface of tube 9 are any suitablenumber of lips or ns 2 6 which cooperate with the head 25 to guide thesame. In other words, they will permit an axial movement of the head butnot a rotation thereof. The inner ends of these ns may be turnedinwardly as at 2 1. This will have the effect that a. stopv is providedlimiting the axial movement of valve I9. Accordingly, there will be nodanger of an operator turning the knob 2 2l to a point at which itdisengages from the stem 24 with the result that the valve assemblyfalls into the container and becomes immersed in the liquid therein. Atthe same-time it will be apparent, incident tothe fact that the springrides within the groove 2|, an accidental turning of the knob 22 willnot occur with respect to the valve and its stem.

In using an apparatus of this type, it will be understood that thecontainer 5 is filled to a suitable depth with the liquid to be sprayed.Thereafter, the operating head or cap is coupled to the body 5. Theinner end of the tube 9 being coupled to a suitable source of air underpressure, it follows that that air will be discharged through the tube 9and out through the openings I2. Under these circumstances, no spraywill be ejected from the nozzle I5. Assuming that the knob 22 has beenadjusted so that a projection of the same towards the axis of theA tubewill cause the valve- I9 to be unseated, a limited amount of air will owpast the valve I9 andac t o n the liquid within the receptacle 5 whenpressure isV brought to bear on the knob 2 2. The amountof air so actingon the liquid may be increasedor decreased by simply turning the knob2-2. In each instance, however, when the-device is actuated the.operator will be free to project the knob to the limit of its movement.Obviously, the greater amount of air flowing past the valve I9, thegreater will be the pressureexerted upon the upper surface o f theliquid within receptacle 5. Therefore, the greater will be the dischargeof that liquid through the tube I6 and the nozzle I5.

As it is so discharged, the air stream flowing through the openings I2will be concentric in ltsrow with respect to the jet of liquid which isbeing discharged. Therefore, a proper spray will be projected from thedevice. The air pressure supply being substantially constant, the volumeof air discharged through opening I2 will remain uniform within closelimits. Depending upon the adjustment of.valve I9, however, a greater orlesser amount of liquid will be ejected from the nozzle I5. Therefore,within the control of the operator, a relatively dense or ne spray maybe produced. Under all circumstances it will be understood that with thevalve I9 open, the flow of air through the opening I2 will produce acertain amount of suction at the outer end of the nozzle I5, whichfunction will facilitate the discharge of the liquid.

Under normal circumstances, a release of the valve 22 will result in theinterruption of air flow through the tube 9 into the receptacle.However, under certain circumstances-either due to particles of foreignmaterial or other- Wisefthe valve I9 may remain minutely unseated evenwhen pressure on the knob 22 is released. This would normally have theresult that a small amount of liquid would be forced from the nozzle I5incident to the minute flow of air into the receptacle. This, obviously,is undesirable. To prevent such an occurrence, portion 8 may be, formed,with a vent hole4 2 8. The area of this opening while small, would beadequate to relieve the pressure exerted by a small air flow into thecontainer. Therefore, no dripping or slight discharge of liquid from thenozzle I5 will. occur so long as the knb 22 is released.

Thus, among others, the several objects of the invention as. aforenotedare achieved. Obviously numerous. changes in construction andrearrangement of the parts might be resorted to without departing fromthe spirit of the invention as dened by the claims.

What I claim is:

1. A spraying device including in combination a cap for application tothe upper end of a receptacle, an air-conducting tube extending acrosssaid cap and having a discharge end, an unobstructed liquid-conductingtube extending within and to a point adjacent the discharge end of saidair-conducting tube, means for securing said liquid-conducting tubeagainst relative movement within and with respect to said air-conductingtube, said latter tube being formed with aligned openings in itsdiametrically opposed upper and lower surfaces and at pointsintermediate its ends, a valve to seat against the surfaces of suchltube adjacent the opening in its lower face, an actuator connected tosaid valve and slidably mounted within the opening in the upper surfaceof such tube to extend` above; the same, saidl actuator constantlyobstructing a flow ofl airthrough said latter opening means for normallymaintaining said valvefin closed. position and said actuator upon beingdepressed shifting the valve toa position where it does not; obstruct aflowy ofair through 'the opening in the lower surface of theairconducting tube.

2. A spraying device including in combination a cap for application tothe upper end of a receptacle, an air-conducting tube extending acrosssaid,- cap. and having a discharge end, an unobstructedliquid-conducting tube extending within and to a point adjacent thedischarge endl of saidair-conducting tube, means forsecuring said1iqud-conducting tube against relative movement within and with respectto said air-conducting; tube. said-latter tubebeineformed with alignedopenings in its diametrically opposed upper and lower surfaces and atpoints intermediate its ends, a valve to seat against the surfaces ofsuch tube adjacent the opening in its lower face, an actuator connectedto said valve and slidably mounted within the opening in the uppersurface of such tube to extend above the same, said actuator constantlyobstructing a flow of air through said latter opening, a spring havingone end bearing against the inner face of said air-conducting tubeadjacent the opening in its lower surface, said spring extendingtransversely across the bore of said air-conducting tube, the oppositespring end bearing against said actuator to normally maintain the Valvein closed position and said actuator, upon being shifted inwardly ofsaid air-conducting tube, causing said valve to move to a position atwhich it does not obstruct a ow of air through the opening formed in thelower surface of said airconducting tube.

3. A spraying device including in combination a cap for application tothe upper end of a receptacle, an air-conducting tube extending acrosssaid cap and having a discharge end, an unobstructed liquid-conductingtube extending within and to a point adjacent the discharge end of saidair-conducting tube, means for securing said liquid-conducting tubeagainst relative movement within and with respect to said air-conductingtube, said latter tube being formed with aligned openings in itsdiametrically opposed upper and lower surfaces and at pointsintermediate its ends, a conical valve having its reduced end extendingthrough the opening in the lower surface of said air-conducting tube andinto the space defined by said cap, an actuator connected to said valveand slidably mounted within the opening in the upper surface of suchtube to extend above the same, said actuator constantly obstructing saidlatter opening to prevent substantial flow of air therethrough, meansfor normally maintaining said valve in closed position and said actuatorbeing shiftable in a downward direction to cause said valve to move to aposition at which it does not obstruct the opening in the lower surfaceof said air-conducting tube.

4. A spraying device including in combination a cap for application tothe upper end of a receptacle, an air-conducting tube extending acrosssaid cap and having a discharge end, an unobstructed liquid-conductingtube extending within and to a point adjacent the discharge end of saidair-conducting tube, means for securing said liquid-conducting tubeagainst relative movement within and with respect to said air-conductingtube, said latter tube being formed with aligned openings in itsdiametrically opposed upper and lower surfaces and at pointsintermediate its ends, a valve to seat against the surfaces of such tubeadjacent the opening in its lower face, an actuator connected to saidvalve and slidably mounted within the opening in the upper surface ofsuch tube to extend above the same, said actuator constantly obstructinga flow of air through said latter opening, means for normallymaintaining said valve in closed position, said actuator upon beingdepressed shifting the valve to a position where it does not obstruct aflow of air through the opening in the lower surface of theair-conducting tube, said valve extending below the lower surface ofsaid air-conducting tube into the space defined by said cap and conningmeans secured to said air-conducting tube and extending below the lowersurface of the same to restrain said valve against rotation and guidethe latter in its movements.

5. A spraying device including in combination a cap for application tothe upper end of a receptacle, an air-conducting tube extending acrosssaid cap and having a discharge end, an unobstructed liquid-conductingtube extending within and to a point adjacent the discharge end of saidair-conducting tube, means for securing said liquid-conducting tubeagainst relative movement within and with respect to said air-conductingtube, said latter tube being formed withv aligned openings in itsdiametrically opposed upper and lower surfaces and at pointsintermediate its ends, a valve to seat against the surfaces of such tubeadjacent the opening in its lower face, an actuator connected to saidvalve and slidably mounted within the opening in the upper surface ofsuch tube to extend above the same, said actuator constantly obstructinga flow of air through said latter opening, means for normallymaintaining said valve in closed position, said actuator upon beingdepressed shifting the valve to a position where it does not obstruct aow of air through the opening in the lower surface of the air-conductingtube and means forming a part of the connection between said valve andactuator whereby the distance between the upper surface of the latterand said valve may be varied to adjust the parts.

CARL S. MEYERHOEFER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS lNumber Name Date 1,713,902 Hartman May 21, 19291,777,925 Kollmann Oct. 7, 1930 1,787,998 Schylander Jan. 6, 19311,806,784 Breuer May 26, 1931 1,820,544 Schylander Aug. 25, 19311,843,899 Martinet Feb. 2, 1932 2,243,435 Mott, Jr., et al. May 27, 1941FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 5,000 Great Britain Feb. 28, 1910123,800 Austria July 10, 1931 350,908 Great Britain June 15, 1931434,522 Great Britain Apr. 4, 1935 442,424 Great Britain Feb. 7, 1936Certificate of Correction Patent N o. 2,560,730

July 17, 1951 CARL E. MEYERHOEFER dI that the nam neously described andme should h a've been described a at the said Letters P atent should das corrected above, so e same may conform to the record of the case inthe Patent Oce. Signed and sealed this 2nd day of October, A. D.

[SEAL] THOMAS F. MURPHY,

ssz'stant ommz'sszoner of Patents.

